When it's a baking 35degC at home and there is no cloud on the mountain, it is difficult to believe that you are going to need warm clothes, but you should always take them. The combination of altitude and windchill means that it is always colder on the mountain; and the weather on top of a mountain can change suddenly.
Never leave home without at least:
- A waterproof shell
- Warm fleece
- Adequate water (take temperature conditions into account)
- Good walking shoes
- Telling someone your route and timings
Stay Together
As a rule, don't hike alone and never split the group, esp. in bad weather.
Know the Dangers:
- Hypothermia Hypothermia is the top killer when hiking and can creep up on you with little warning. It occurs when your body is unable to maintain it's core temperature. You should know when to look out for it and what the symptoms are.
- When: You are most at risk when tired in wet and windy conditions at temperatures below 15degC. Children and the elderly are more at risk.
- Symptoms: Thoughts become foggy and you loose track of time and distance; shivering (if you keep getting colder you will eventually stop shivering, by which time you are in serious danger); slurred speech; difficulty co-ordinating fine movements like tying shoelaces
- What to do: Immediately find shelter from the wind and rain. Put on warm, dry clothes if possible; make hot food and/or drink. Do not sleep or stop being active until the symptoms subside. Do not drink alcohol.
- Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia)
Also known as Sun Stroke, heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly and correctly. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function. It occurs when the body cannot keep it's core temperature down, and as the name implies is the opposite of hypothermia. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are less severe (often warning signs) with similar causes.
When: In extreme heat, high humidity, and/or vigorous physical exertion under the sun. Because dehydration reduces your body's ability to sweat and therefore cool itself, it can be a major contributor. As with other conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk.
Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, high body temperature, the absence of sweating, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizure.
What to do: Immediately stop exercise and get cool: Cold shower or water if possible; otherwise out of the sun, into a breeze. Wet the victims clothes if you have sufficient water; hydrate steadily over a 1/2-hour period.
- Dehydration
When: Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Inadequate intake of water causes dehydration. You are particularly at risk in hot weather and/or when exercising hard.. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.
Symptoms: a dry, sticky mouth (most noticeable when eating); dry eyes; dark yellow urine or no urine at all. In extreme cases, diarrhea; vomiting; fever or excessive sweating;
What to do: Drink steadily while hiking (water is adequate for walks under 1.5 hours; over that, sports drinks or another source of salts and minerals is needed). If you realise you are dehydrated, rest somewhere cool and drink steadily (ideally sports drink) until 1/2 an hour after symptoms subside.
- Exposed sectionsBy exposed we mean dangerous sections on the mountains which expose you to falls. The risks here are obvious; always be observant when high on the mountain; even some major paths can lead to or over a cliff. Move carefully and manage children in high-risk areas.
